Medicago, a biotechnology company focused on developing highly effective and competitive vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and virus-like particles (VLPs), has reported positive interim results from a Phase II human clinical trial with its H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate ("H5N1 vaccine"). The vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and also induced a solid immune response. Medicago release

Researchers at the Rochester Victory Alliance are testing more than an HIV vaccine in their latest clinical trial. They also are testing a theory that may lead to vaccines and treatments based on a person's genetic makeup. Item

A large international trial finds that the Gardasil vaccine shields young men from human papillomavirus as well as it protects young women. News

Vaccine Market

AstraZeneca announced today that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorisation to Fluenz Influenza Vaccine (Live Attenuated, Nasal), a nasally administered live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), for prevention of seasonal influenza for children 24 months to less than 18 years of age. AstraZeneca release

There's been a slight decrease in flu activity this season, but according to Kalorama Information, the next month will determine how the 2010-11 flu season is judged. In addition to governments and healthcare professionals, the healthcare market research publisher says that makers of influenza vaccine products will be closely following next month's stats. News

The Wyoming Senate rejected a bill Wednesday that would have required children to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. Lawmakers defeated the bill by a 22-8 vote. Much of their concern centered on the $335,000 annual cost to perform the vaccinations, according to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Bill Landen. Report